Scientists test cell tower signals as GPS backup for pilots in emergencies
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A new navigation system that uses mobile signals is being tested to aid pilots during GPS failures, providing a potential safety boost for aviation.
This innovative approach, spearheaded by Sandia National Laboratories and Ohio State University, leverages signals from cell towers and communication satellites to offer an alternative for flight navigation when GPS becomes unreliable.
While the current GPS network of 31 satellites, certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provides precise navigation data, it is susceptible to interference, such as technical malfunctions, jamming, and hacking. These vulnerabilities are especially concerning in critical or conflict-prone areas.
Jennifer Sanderson, an electrical engineer at Sandia National Laboratories, explained that the new system taps into "signals of opportunity," or unintentional signals emitted by cell towers and satellites, as a fallback navigation method.
The researchers have tested the concept using weather balloons equipped with antenna payloads, which reached altitudes of up to 82,000 feet (25,000 meters) in the stratosphere. These payloads successfully detected signals from communication satellites and cell towers, demonstrating the potential of this approach to provide navigational data during GPS disruptions.
Early results showed that cell tower signals could be captured at high altitudes, though the process currently involves manual analysis to isolate individual signals. The next step involves developing algorithms to automate signal identification and calculate positional data in real time.
Despite its promise, the system faces hurdles, including the difficulty of detecting satellite signals that are directed toward Earth's surface. Researchers are refining their methods to enhance detection accuracy and ensure the system's reliability at high altitudes.
If successfully developed, this alternative navigation system could serve as a critical backup for GPS, reducing risks associated with system failures and enhancing overall flight safety.